Labor News: 2005 in Review

Since a card-check and neutrality agreement took effect earlier in 2005, the Communications Workers of America organized more than 11,000 Cingular Wireless employees at former AT&T Wireless facilities around the country. Under the agreement, which went into effect July 1 for all former wireless units, Cingular agreed not to oppose union organizing efforts, and to recognize the union in a particular area if a majority of workers signed authorization cards. SEIU Local 925 won a union election among 10,000 home-based child-care providers in Washington State. The American Arbitration Association, which presided over the voting, mailed representation ballots to all home-based child-care providers that are licensed and/or paid by the state. Of the 3633 secret ballots that were returned by mail, 92% voted in favor of union representation.

Wal-Mart Workers of America (WWOA), a new national association for current and former Wal-Mart Stores workers, will sponsor a clearinghouse to supply information and services to employees outside a traditional union framework, according to the founding group, so-called Wake Up Wal-Mart. WWOA members can tap into information to increase understanding of their employment rights. One of WWOA's services gives members an opportunity to qualify for subsidies that Wake Up Wal-Mart has raised for uninsured workers. Members also will have access to a toll-free helpline.